How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:38-39 connect to Exodus 21:24? Passage Text • Exodus 21:24 – “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” • Matthew 5:38-39 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” The Original Law of Proportion: Exodus 21:24 • Given within civil case laws to Israel (Exodus 21:22-25). • Established a just, limited, and equitable standard—punishment must match the injury, never exceed it. • Curbed blood-feuds and personal vendettas by moving justice into the courtroom. • Literally true and enforceable by judges (Deuteronomy 19:18-21). What the Law Accomplished • Protected the innocent: no harsher penalty than the offense. • Restrained revenge: individuals could not escalate violence on their own. • Reflected God’s perfect justice—He weighs every act fairly (Leviticus 24:19-20). Jesus Quotes the Law: Matthew 5:38-39 • Jesus affirms the Scripture’s accuracy by citing it word-for-word. • He addresses common misuse: turning a courtroom guideline into permission for personal retaliation. • “But I tell you” introduces His authoritative exposition, not a contradiction (cf. Matthew 5:17). How Jesus’ Words Fulfill, Not Cancel • Fulfillment (Matthew 5:17) means bringing the law to its ultimate intent—righteous hearts, not merely correct penalties. • Exodus governs the judicial sphere; Jesus speaks to private, interpersonal response. • He shifts the focus from equal payback to overcoming evil with self-giving restraint (Romans 12:17-21). Personal vs. Judicial Sphere Judicial • Courts judge wrongdoing—lex talionis still guides equitable sentencing (cf. Romans 13:3-4). Personal • Believers relinquish vengeance, entrusting justice to God and lawful authorities. • Turning the other cheek models the Servant-Messiah (Isaiah 50:6; 1 Peter 2:23). Heart-Level Righteousness • Resisting the impulse to retaliate exposes revenge as sin rooted in pride. • Offering the other cheek embodies agape love that seeks the offender’s good (Luke 6:27-29). • Such self-control displays confidence that God will right every wrong (Psalm 37:5-9). Living the Connection Today • When wronged, refrain from instant payback—pray, pause, and yield the situation to lawful channels if needed. • Intentionally choose gracious responses: – a calm word (Proverbs 15:1) – practical service (Romans 12:20) – continued goodwill (Matthew 5:44) • Trust God’s perfect scales; He alone repays justly (Deuteronomy 32:35). Exodus 21:24 gives the righteous limit for courts; Matthew 5:38-39 calls disciples to a supernatural mercy that mirrors the Cross, where justice and grace meet. |
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